Softball Teams Thrills In National Tourney

BONNIE DIPACIO - On recreation

"This was sweet," said Gary Fitzpatrick when describing the National ASA Slow Pitch Championship win by the Thrillers, the 14-and-under girls' softball team that he manages.

"You don't know how close we were to winning the Fast-Pitch National [held in Jupiter in August) also. We lost two games in Jupiter by a total of three runs and could have worn two crowns."

Comprised of girls from Broward and Palm Beach Counties, the Thrillers have been in existence for about a year.

The Thrillers bested a field of 49 teams representing 16 states to win the Slow Pitch Championship held recently at Drew Park in Jacksonville.

"I'm really happy for the girls," said Fitzpatrick of West Palm Beach, "because they played so hard all season and deserve the recognition of being crowned as national champs."

Fitzpatrick is equally proud of the coaching staff he put together: Greg LaFever of North Palm Beach, Sam Testa of Palm Beach Gardens, Bob Duncan of Davie, Greg Turek of Cooper City, and Gary Carter of Palm Beach Gardens, who assisted when he wasn't broadcasting for the Florida Marlins.

Hall of Fame hitter Hank Aaron will appear Saturday at 1 p.m., followed at 3 by Don Larsen, the only man to pitch a perfect game no-hitter in the World Series. Bob Feller, former Cleveland Indian and Hall of Famer will appear at 4:30.

Noon Sunday will feature former quarterback Fran Tarkenton who led the Minnesota Vikings to four Super Bowls.